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Sunday, November 8, 2009

WHAT? HOW many more days until Christmas??

It is that time of year again. In Germany, the four weeks before Christmas are called Advent – the four Sundays before Christmas Eve are Advent Sundays and first one candle is lighted, on the next Sunday two and so on. You might have heard about this tradition. In Germany, this is the decorating highlight of the year and in November - before Advent begins - there are Advent “exhibitions” in shops and at florists etc., which are visited by swarms of women (sometimes with their husbands) looking for those special extras to decorate with and to get started with Christmas shopping. In the past couple of years, I have had a little shop here at the grange, where I sell home and garden decorations, gifts and such things. I have an Advent exhibition on two weekends in November. Starting next weekend, to be more specific. So, what am I doing on the blog?

Well, I just wanted to let you know that there will be a shortage of flea market treasures here for a while. Because I am cleaning up the shop and decorating and decorating and decorating... Well, you get the idea. As you can witness below, I still have a ways to go. Nothing but chaos yet.

Wait, wait - I still want to show you the earrings I received via the Thanksgiving Treasure Earring Exchange, that was organized by dear Leslie of Bei Mondi! Take a look at these beauties!

Sent to me from Shelby of Sundown Bead Designs - thank you so much, Shelby, these are fabulous!Gorgeous copper earrings with fused circles. I love how the Swarovski crystals and the olivine jasper exactly match the colours in the beautiful lampwork beads!I apologize for the poor quality of the photos - we are having very dreary weather and I can't seem to get any good macro shots, either with or without a flash.

Anyway, I have to get back to jingle bells and Santa s.... no, no, snowflakes and pine cones and that sort of thing!

15 comments:

This is the sort of chaos i like to see Renate ;-) Ooooh and i can see some round robins on a shelf, no ? Sure you will make beautiful creations for your Advent's exhibitions. May be some pictures...The earrings you received from Shelby are just so lovely.It seems green inspired many of our designers. Leslie had a wonderful idea with this Thanksgiving Treasure Earring Exchange. Thanks to her.

Advent candle lighting was a tradition in our family as well. In our church, a wreath of greenery held the 4 white candles and was decorated with the most beautiful deep purple ribbon. In fact I haven't thought about that for a long time. So it is lovely that you've sparked this cherished memory.

Ah, and Shelby's earings are beautiful. Green and copper. Perfect for you, no?

I didn't realize you had the shop, Renate. I'm learning lots of new things about you! :-) I'm going to enjoy following you along this advent journey...yes it is coming up soooooo quick!! Please share more pictures!Shelby's earrings rock! I just knew she would make something amazing...what gorgeous beads she used..and her spirals and wirework are perfect as always! You're a lucky exchange recipient!!

Beautiful earrings and will look so well with your complexion and hair colour!!!

I do know about Advent in Germany but hadn't realized that there are events in November as well.

If those photographs are "chaos" I'm impressed...I thought things looked quite nice!! I can only imagine how impressive everything is going to look when you are all set up. Do share photographs when all is done and wishing you much success with your sales!! I think you won't need any luck -- I'm thinking you'll do very well indeed!

I love the advent time, which is a tradition here as well among the Catholics. I remember as a child, it was such a peaceful time and so mysterious, filled with the smell of cookies baking, candles lit, pine branches filling the house and the anticipation of Christmas.

I can't wait to see pictures of your little shop when it's all ready to go! I wish I could come by to browse and buy one or the other treasure...

Hugs, Silke

P.S. Wonderful earrings you got in the mail! They'll look great on you!!

Where's the chaos exactly?! I guess that's a pretty good indication of my threshold! Great earrings by Shelby. I'll be looking forward to inviting home and garden photos until you can get back to the flea market again!

About Me

I have always been a collector – of many things (my mom used to call it junk). Pebbles, pieces of driftwood, bone, glass, seashells; the list could go on and on. It is just my nature. If I only could, I would collect colours – of the foliage in autumn, the subtle nuances within a blooming rose, the light of the sky.